Girlfriend Community

My Sunday School lesson this week is on Living in Community. I have posted already about my girlfriends in The Sparkly Countenance of a Girlfriend. And more recently, I have written about community in Living Life Down A Little Gravel Road. However, I dedicate today’s post to my Sunday School Class and the bonds in our little community.

Every Sunday morning I am fortunate enough to gather with a wonderful group of women. We call ourselves the “Girlfriend” Class. The age of our members span the gamut from women in their 30’s to 50’s. Our class includes women in different stages of their lives; childless, small children, teenagers and adult children, members are single, married, divorced and widowed.

No matter the life circumstances, God brought us together, fellow sojourners to share the journey. We may be a varied group of women but we seek a common purpose, to become more like Christ.

The chairs in our room are arranged in a circle so we can see each other; and an added benefit, no one can hide in the back of the class. As I sit at my computer tonight and close my eyes, I imagine our class. It makes me smile as I picture each beautiful face. I love my Girlfriend Class; the women and the amazing community we have formed over the last several years.

The “Girlfriends” in our class are invested in each other; we share our lives, not just an hour on Sunday morning. We hold each other up in prayer and encourage one another. Our members rejoice together with good news, and weep together in times of sorrow. We are quick to give a hug, shoulder to lean on or a meal when it is needed.

Narrow is the road that leads to life. No one said it would be easy and sometimes the road is downright difficult to traverse. When I feel like giving up, I need a push from behind to keep me going. On the other hand, when I stray from the path and cannot find my way I require a helping hand from someone ahead of me. My Girlfriends are right along with me, we push and pull together, rooting each other on “toward the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

If you are a member of the Girlfriend Class I want you to know how I cherish you and thank God we share our journey together. If you are not a member, our class is always open to newcomers, we welcome anyone who is searching for community, Christian growth and to learn about, and receive God’s love.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.